There are few things in life that feel better than singing, than really belting it out. When you’re in the shower or in the car by yourself, it’s easy to succumb to the urge to let loose and start wailing. It’s only natural.
Singing in public, however, is generally limited to group renditions of “Happy Birthday” or the national anthem.
Matt Smith wants to change that. The Vancouver vocal coach is the founder of the Impromptu Rock Choir, which meets every Tuesday night in East Van at 7pm at the WISE Hall. Along with partner Fiona Sizer, the pair is giving people the opportunity to sing their favourite songs in a choir that’s totally casual, and totally welcoming.
“This is definitely not a traditional choir,” says Smith. “We don’t read music, we’re learning by ear, we’re not separated into tenors, altos or sopranos, so you can sit with your friends.”
You won’t have to suffer through “Ave Maria”, either. The repertoire covers everything from classics like David Bowie and the Beatles to ‘90s hits like Oasis to contemporary songs by Arcade Fire or the Killers.
The choir is done on a drop-in basis, so there’s no commitment, and beginners are definitely welcome.
“The only prerequisite is that you enjoy singing, or that you even think you enjoy singing,” says Smith.
The choir works on three different songs every night. It’s not a vocal class, so don’t expect one-on-one instruction – it’s about singing your guts out and having a damn good time doing it.
And Glee, it’s not. There’s no big performance the choir is working towards, so there’s no pressure to compete. It’s the social aspect that keeps people coming back, Smith says.
The choir attracts anywhere from 40 to 50 people every week, from all walks of life. After choir practice wraps up at 9pm, everyone usually heads downstairs to the WISE Lounge for a cold pint.
“It’s a great place to meet new people in the city,” says Smith. “We have people in their 20s right up to their 60s. It’s a pretty diverse group.”
Nerves are common for the first-timers, but they invariably leave with a smile on their face.
“Tone deafness is actually pretty rare,” says Smith. “[Singing] is a skill, but it’s a lot more built-in than people think.
“It’s very innate.”
Smith said he decided to start the rock choir after one of his students complained that there was nowhere for her to sing.
“She said she tried out traditional choirs, and they didn’t work for her,” he says. “She wanted to do something different.”
The choir has proven so popular that Smith has added a second night on Thursdays in North Van. He and Sizer are also hoping to expand to city’s West Side, and possibly to the suburbs too.
“We're getting people coming in all the way from Richmond and Delta!” says Smith.
• Visit ImpromptuMusic.ca for more information about the East Van Rock Choir.
